rainwise Working with communities to manage rainwater

rainwise Working with communities to manage rainwater

RAINWISE At Northumbrian Water we are working with communities and our partners to manage the amount of surface water (rainwater from roofs, roads and other hard surfaces) that enters our sewer network. This will help reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses now and in the future, and protect our environment from pollution. This surface water management programme is called Rainwise. Why do we need to manage rainwater? A growing population, heavier rainfall and more impermeable surfaces that don t allow water to soak away through, are putting increasing pressure on our sewer network. This means during intense rain, more water is getting into our sewer network than it has been designed to cope with and the system can become overwhelmed. This can result in flooding. Blocked pipes, caused by people putting unsuitable products down the toilet or sink, also increases the risk of sewer flooding. We want to be prepared for the future. Through Rainwise we are working proactively to reduce the potential risk of flooding in areas that have not necessarily suffered flooding before, while providing additional benefit and protection to those that have.

WHAT ARE WE DOING? We are looking for opportunities to carry out surface water management projects that will remove, store, divert or delay the speed that rainwater enters our sewer network. YOU CAN HELP Please let us know about any surface water issues in your area You can use our community website nwlcommunityportal.co.uk or call 0345 717 1100 You may see us or our contractors as we collect information to help us understand how surface water in your area impacts on our sewer network during heavy rainfall. We will also work in partnership with local authorities and other organisations, such as the Environment Agency, whenever we can. We want to fully understand the flood risks affecting your community so that we can work together to identify the right solutions to minimise any potential future risk of flooding. It may be necessary for us to upgrade the existing sewer network to improve its performance and help free up capacity within pipes. If we need to install any flood risk reduction measures, we will seek your views before any work is carried out.

WHAT ARE SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS? Sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) are a natural approach to managing rainwater and mimic the ways in which water drains away naturally. We will install sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) wherever we can. They include: Swales (shallow drainage channels to store or divert rainwater) Detention basins (purpose built, low lying areas of land to store and delay rainwater) Rain gardens (small planted depressions, often connected to the downpipe of a property) The benefits of SuDS include: They slow down surface water run-off and reduce the risk of our sewer network becoming overwhelmed in times of heavy rainfall. They provide valuable habitats for wildlife in urban areas. They create green spaces for people in urban areas. They improve the quality of surface water entering rivers and streams. They can reduce the local temperature on very hot days. Properties near SuDS can attract higher house prices.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You too can get involved in Rainwise by making small changes around your property which can help to reduce the risk of flooding in your community as a whole, as well as saving you water and money. Ways to help: Only toilet paper, pee and poo go down the loo. Anything else can cause blockages and increase the risk of sewer flooding. Reduce the amount of water getting into our sewer system by using water wisely - switching the tap off while you brush your teeth can save up to six litres of water each time. Connect the downpipe from your rainwater guttering to a water butt to capture rainwater. You can use this to water your plants or wash your car. Reduce the amount of hard surfaces in your garden or yard by using rainwater planters which will reduce the amount of rainwater going directly into the drains. Use permeable paving when renewing patios and drives which absorb rainwater and allow it to filter naturally through the ground. Don t forget to let us know about any surface water issues affecting your community by visiting nwlcommunityportal.co.uk or calling 0345 717 1100

For more information about Rainwise, visit: www.nwl.co.uk/rainwise. To find out more about the work we re carrying out in your area and to have your say, visit: www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk or call us on 0345 717 1100. @nwater_care www.nwl.co.uk/rainwise www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk